Backstage at the theatre and in the quiet times on the EastEnders set, Gillian Wright, the actress who portrays Jean Slater, was uneasy and sought to occupy her hands and mind with something. The initial idea of staying focused progressed to a new hobby as the actress began crocheting bags during the extended intervals.
Was it a hobby stemming from its mother’s patience and quiet resolve that turned into a means to help out the causes which the actress cared about? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Crochet Between Scenes
Gillian had taken up crocheting when she was performing in a West End play alongside Matthew Cottle. Gillian said that when she performs, she often has long stretches off stage. She further said, “Half an hour multiplied by eight shows a week, approximately eight months is a lot of time.” She wanted to keep herself busy and calm and didn’t even want to miss her cues.
Wright used large knitting needles and also thick wool to learn how to make bags. And after that, how to boil them so that the wool shrinks into the finished product. Elsewhere, her sister has secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and her condition has turned worse over the years. She said, “I’ve watched her go from being someone who was an actress and dancer to now in an electric chair. She still manages to teach in the mornings.”
Gillain also sold her crochet items at craft fairs to raise money for some trusts. Whatever money she gets by selling those bags is helpful for someone who has been living with that condition. Even when she was filming for the BBC soap, she used to carry the crochet. She said, “There’s a lot of hanging around. You can do a scene, and then they have to shift a wall or move the camera. That time all adds up.” With crocheting, she used to stay focused without disturbing anything around her.
EastEnders Gillian’s Journey From Wardrobe To Craft Flair
Gillian was making bags, and her wardrobe was filled. Elsewhere, her friend suggested she take those bags to a craft fair. There was a time when a blanket made from many small crochet circles took a year to complete. However, other items were made faster because of nig needles and thick wool. Her bags soon became popular. She said, “Many of the pieces flew off the shelves.”
Gillian crochets to help those with multiple sclerosis. It means a lot to her now. She wants to make an effort and bring about meaningful results. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.